Julie Gross
Q : How were you first attracted to music?
A : Growing up in upstate New York, my family was somewhat musical. Before we took up instruments, my parents taught us barbershop-style songs, and we learned to harmonize to them. We’d gather in the living room and sing together on weekends, just for fun. My mother played popular songs on the piano.
Later, my older brother played trumpet in school and I actually started on clarinet. I also played a keyed French horn bugle in a local drum and bugle corps for several years. That naturally led to my playing French horn in junior high and high school band. (And, I gave up the clarinet.)
Q : What's your favorite part of being a musician?
A : My favorite part of being a musician is helping people to enjoy themselves and become happy through my performances. I always remind myself that I’ve been given a gift that other people don’t have, so I want to develop it and use it to benefit others. Music helps people to forget about their troubles, if only for a little while. They can turn their focus to the beauty of this world, and maybe even to healing. I believe that’s my calling.
Q : Is there a musical instrument that you adore?
A : I fell in love with the French horn for two reasons: its beautiful sound and the challenge it takes to play it.
I’ve been playing since I was 10, so it’s been several decades now. It will always be my one and only favorite instrument. I’m very satisfied with the horn model I have currently; it’s an unlacquered custom horn made by master horn builder Jim Patterson from Las Cruces, New Mexico. (He moved there from the Los Angeles area, which is where I met him).
Q : Is there some other information that you'd like to include?
